The Fledgling

Description

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Horn in F, Trombone, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Wind Chimes, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Wood Block, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Triangle, Crash Cymbals, Percussion 3, Tom-tom, Percussion 4, Suspended Cymbal, Tambourine — A bird is considered to have fledged at the time when its wing muscles and feathers are sufficiently developed for flight. When young birds have reached this stage, but are still dependent on their parents for care and feeding, they are referred to as “fledglings." This piece musically follows a fledgling as it begins the long process of learning to fly. It starts out tentatively, gains ability, struggles, and then eventually soars.In all instances where a longer note is tied to an eighth note, players should release, stopping the sound, on the eighth note. For example, a dotted half note tied to an eighth note should have a definite stop at the beginning of beat 4.Measures 20–26: The sudden changes in dynamics should be exaggerated to produce a somewhat pronounced awkward effect.Measures 52–57: The flute, oboe, and clarinet parts should produce a constant flowing sound in the slurred eighth notes, breathing on the eighth-note rests.Measures 66–67: Make sure the staccatos are very short and pronounced, but do not cover the melody in the low brass and reeds.Measures 72–86: Emphasize the accents on the upbeats in the percussion instruments.Measure 83: Emphasize the crescendo to forte and then immediately drop to mezzo-forte. A bird is considered to have fledged at the time when its wing muscles and feathers are sufficiently developed for flight. Musically depicting this stage of life by taking a simple theme and developing it through increasing energy and compositional voice layering, this piece for young bands has flowing woodwind lines, exciting countermelodies, and interesting rhythmic challenges. Multiple percussion parts will keep your performers interested. A great choice for concert and contest or as a concert opener or closer.

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